Why 2019 is the year to go solar in Massachusetts

A new year is already underway, and if you’re like many of us, you’re probably fine-tuning your list of New Year’s resolutions for 2019. You may not realize it, but this year is an especially important one for one resolution you may be considering: saving money by investing in renewable energy with solar panels.

Are you a Massachusetts resident? Here’s a look at why 2019 is the year to go solar with a residential or commercial solar power system.

2019 is the Final Year to get the max Federal Tax Credit

Since the Federal Investment Tax Credit was extended back in 2015, homeowners and commercial property owners who purchase and install solar have been able to deduct 30% of the cost of their system from what they owe on their federal taxes. However, the sun will begin to set on the level of savings for this solar tax incentive after this year.

Starting in 2020, home and property owners who go solar will be able to deduct only 26% of the cost of their system. In 2021, that number will go down to 22%. Then in 2022, the incentive will drop to 10% for residential and commercial systems for one year — after which the 10% incentive will only apply to commercial systems.

If you want to qualify for the full 30% federal tax incentive for your residential or commercial system, you must have your system installed by December 31, 2019!

SMART Incentives are in Full Swing

SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) is a statewide program here in Massachusetts that offers monthly financial incentives to home and business owners who purchase and install a solar electric (PV) system. Participants in the program can receive thousands of dollars in incentives for their solar energy systems, paid out over time in monthly increments.

The SMART program is built on declining “capacity blocks,” and the incentives decline as each block is used. How much you receive in incentives depends on which capacity block you are placed in and how much electricity your system produces. If, for example, you install a 9 kW solar panel system and are placed in the first capacity block, you could receive $15,000 in incentives over the next decade!

Last November, SMART began accepting applications (which solar installers submit on behalf of customers.) Applications submitted after December 1, 2018 are being reviewed and placed into capacity blocks on a first come, first served basis. In short, if you want to maximize the incentives you could receive through the SMART program, you should consider installing your new solar panels as soon as possible!

Don’t Wait - Take Advantage of Current State and Federal Solar Incentives

Going solar comes with valuable benefits like impressive tax incentives, protection from rising energy costs, lower electricity bills, and greater energy independence. If you’ve been considering investing in solar for your home or business, you don’t want to miss taking advantage of the full range of incentives that are available here in Massachusetts. Schedule a free quote with Boston Solar today to get answers to your solar questions and start enjoying the benefits of renewable solar energy as soon as possible!

Recent Boston Solar Blog Posts

Learn more about the solar installation process, the steps involved, and the typical timeline from start to finish. Find out how fast you could have solar panels installed on your home. Boston Solar is a leading installer of residential solar PV systems in the greater Boston area and throughout Massachusetts.

Find out what incentives are available for electric cars and EV chargers — and how you can charge an electric car with solar panels. A number of incentives are available to homeowners and businesses who invest in EVs and EV charging. Learn more from Boston Solar.

Solar contractors use a lot of terms which may be confusing to homeowners and businesses who are considering solar — like inverter, grid parity, net metering, off-grid. Check out our guide to common solar energy terms to better understand widely used terminology in the solar energy industry.

Wondering if you can trust online solar calculators? Learn the difference between programs like Project Sunroof and Solar Reviews, and a customized solar quote from a trusted local solar expert. Boston Solar provides custom solar quotes and professional residential solar installation throughout Massachusetts.

What does it mean to have a zero net energy, or zero energy, home or building? Learn about what the terms “net zero energy,” “zero net energy,” and “zero energy” mean, and find out why solar plays a key role in achieving zero net energy. Boston Solar is Massachusetts’ renewable solar energy expert.

Achieve even greater peace of mind concerning your residential solar investment with Boston Solar’s new Production Guarantee. We guarantee your new system will produce a specified amount of energy, or we’ll pay the difference! Learn more about this exclusive guarantee for Massachusetts homeowners.

Learn more about the solar installation process, the steps involved, and the typical timeline from start to finish. Find out how fast you could have solar panels installed on your home. Boston Solar is a leading installer of residential solar PV systems in the greater Boston area and throughout Massachusetts.

Find out what incentives are available for electric cars and EV chargers — and how you can charge an electric car with solar panels. A number of incentives are available to homeowners and businesses who invest in EVs and EV charging. Learn more from Boston Solar.

Solar contractors use a lot of terms which may be confusing to homeowners and businesses who are considering solar — like inverter, grid parity, net metering, off-grid. Check out our guide to common solar energy terms to better understand widely used terminology in the solar energy industry.

Wondering if you can trust online solar calculators? Learn the difference between programs like Project Sunroof and Solar Reviews, and a customized solar quote from a trusted local solar expert. Boston Solar provides custom solar quotes and professional residential solar installation throughout Massachusetts.

What does it mean to have a zero net energy, or zero energy, home or building? Learn about what the terms “net zero energy,” “zero net energy,” and “zero energy” mean, and find out why solar plays a key role in achieving zero net energy. Boston Solar is Massachusetts’ renewable solar energy expert.

Achieve even greater peace of mind concerning your residential solar investment with Boston Solar’s new Production Guarantee. We guarantee your new system will produce a specified amount of energy, or we’ll pay the difference! Learn more about this exclusive guarantee for Massachusetts homeowners.